General referencing queries

Why should I reference?

I've just started university and I don't understand why I have to put references in my assignments. What's the point of it?

Newbie from Newcastle

Dear Newbie,

There are many reasons why you need to reference in your academic work. Firstly, it's all about intellectual property - the information, diagrams, or ideas that you are drawing upon belong to someone. Referencing acknowledges, and gives credit to, the source of that information. Secondly, references provide evidence and therefore support your argument. Thirdly, it enables the reader to find your sources if, for example, they wish to do further research.

What do I need to reference?

I'm writing an assignment and I'm not sure which information I need to reference. Do I need to reference the information in my course guide or just the books I've been using?

Confused from Christchurch

Dear Confused,

You need to reference all of the sources from which you have used information. This includes conversations, websites, books and journals etc. However, it is better to ask your lecturer for the original source of the material in your course guide so that you can consult that directly; this is also the case for lectures.

What resources should I use?

I have to write an essay about environmental hazards. Can I just use stuff off the internet or will I have to go to the library?

Hazardous from Hayfield

Dear Hazardous,

The internet is a wonderful resource but it does have some issues that you need to be aware of. Anybody can post information on the internet and consequently not all of it is valuable, useful or appropriate for academic work. However, some websites, such as government sites or academic institutions, can be very useful sources of information. The key is to take some time to learn how to evaluate websites.

Conversely, print resources from the library are generally critically evaluated and academically accepted. The good news is that these resources can often be accessed online. Many journal articles can be downloaded as pdf's and e-books are now available online.

To learn about evaluating websites, check out the 'Credible Sources Count!' link from the tutorials page.

What's the difference between a bibliography and a reference list?

One of my assignments needs a bibliography and another needs a reference list. Are these just different words for the same thing or is there a difference in the format?

Bob

Dear Bob,

No they are not the same thing. A bibliography is a list of all the sources that you have consulted during your research, whether or not you have included information from these sources in your written work. A reference list, on the other hand, is a list of only those sources that you have cited in-text.

What should I do if I am missing details of a reference?

I don't seem to have all the details I need for some of the references for my assignment. What do I do now?

Missing-in-Action from Missouri

Dear Missing-in-Action,

Using the bits that you do have (author's name, title, etc.), look them up in Google Scholar, Google, or any research databases that you have access to. Your search will usually lead you to the full details for that reference, and 'voila' you have the details that you are missing. If all else fails, ask your friendly neighbourhood Librarian for help.

How do I reference course notes?

I've mentioned a couple of things in my essay that came from my course notes. How do I reference this information?

Beryl

Dear Beryl,

This of course will depend on the referencing style that you are using but in general it is better to access the original source of this information. Lecturers often put a reference list at the end of the lecture notes and this should enable you to track down the source. Alternatively you could ask the lecturer directly for the reference. Another option is to see if the information is available in an e-version; you can then reference it as an electronic source. I presume you have already checked your course text book for this information?

What does "ibid" mean?

What does "ibid" mean? I've come across this abbreviation several times and can't figure it out. Any clues?

Clueless from Copton Down

Dear Clueless,

"ibid" or occasionally "ib" is an abbreviation for the Latin "ibidem" meaning "in the same place". In a reference list it means "in the same work". ibid cannot be used if another reference comes between the ibid citations of the same work.

For more referencing abbreviations, with information on what they mean and when to use them, check out the 'Abbreviations page'.

What is the difference between "p." and "pp." for page numbers?

I've figured out that "p." obviously is an abbreviation for "page number", but what does "pp." mean? When should I use one p and when should I use two?

Polly Perkins from Plymouth

Dear PP from P,

"p", you rightly figured out, is an abbreviation for page number. "pp" is simply the plural form; use this when you are referring to several pages such as pp12-14. However, check with your particular referencing systems as some systems use upper case Ps.